14 DAY TRIAL // Futuremark's 3DMark popular benchmarking suite doesn't yet support systems equipped with the LucidLogix Virtu dynamic graphics switching technology, but this won't last for much longer.
Not many people use benchmarks, but those who do may be a bit disgruntled if they own systems that use LucidLogix' Virtu technology.
Virtu handles the automatic switch between the CPU's integrated graphics and the add-in board or discrete GPU, when present.
So far, the 3DMark benchmarking suite hasn't been able to account for this capability, which means that the HyperFormance and Virtual Vsync performance technologies never impact the score of tests.
This situation won't last much longer: Futuremark and LucidLogix are working together to add Virtu support to 3DMark.
"Lucid's Virtu MVP can have a significant impact on benchmark scores, but it is not currently viable to make a direct performance comparison between MVP-enabled systems and non-MVP systems using 3DMark," said Jukka Mäkinen, CEO of Futuremark.
"As Virtu MVP has clear gaming benefits by improving responsiveness, reducing latency and eliminating visual tearing, we are glad to be working with Lucid to help our users understand the performance benefits of Virtu MVP technologies as measured by 3DMark and our other PC performance benchmarks."
A software update should be ready in the early second quarter of this year (2012), which probably means April. After that, all scores submitted to 3dmark.com will indicate if the system has Virtu MVP and its responsiveness features settings.
A fair chunk of tests will likely be conducted as soon as Intel releases its Ivy Bridge CPUs.
"Gamers, overclockers and reviewers as well as OEMs and ODMs depend on Futuremark benchmarks to measure overall gaming performance," said Offir Remez, Lucid co-founder and president.
"Since responsiveness and low latency are an essential performance measurement and part of the platform experience, our collaboration with Futuremark will provide more options for users to evaluate their hardware and software."